Leviticus 11:46

Translation
King James Version
This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:
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KJV (with Strong's)
This is the law H8451 of the beasts H929, and of the fowl H5775, and of every living H2416 creature H5315 that moveth H7430 in the waters H4325, and of every creature H5315 that creepeth H8317 upon the earth H776:
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Complete Jewish Bible
"'Such, then, is the law concerning animals, flying creatures, all living creatures that move about in the water, and all creatures that swarm on the ground.
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Berean Standard Bible
This is the law regarding animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that crawl along the ground.
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American Standard Version
This is the law of the beast, and of the bird, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth;
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World English Bible Messianic
“‘This is the law of the animal, and of the bird, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth,
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Geneva Bible (1599)
This is the law of beasts, and of foules, and of euery liuing thing that moueth in the waters, and of euery thing that creepeth vpon the earth:
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Young's Literal Translation
`This is a law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature which is moving in the waters, and of every creature which is teeming on the earth,
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See also
Leviticus 7:37Leviticus 14:54Ezekiel 43:12Leviticus 15:32
In the KJVVerse 3,044 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Leviticus 11:46 serves as a comprehensive and authoritative concluding statement to the detailed dietary regulations presented throughout the chapter. This verse encapsulates the divine mandate concerning clean and unclean animals, reiterating the four primary categories of living creatures—land animals, birds, aquatic life, and creeping things—that were meticulously distinguished. It underscores the broad scope and binding nature of God's commands, which were designed to establish and maintain the holiness, distinct identity, and covenant fidelity of the Israelite people.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Leviticus 11:46 functions as a pivotal summary, bringing to a definitive close the extensive dietary laws detailed from Leviticus 11:1. The preceding verses meticulously delineate various creatures, categorizing them as ritually clean or unclean based on specific physical characteristics (e.g., cloven hooves and chewing cud for land animals in Leviticus 11:2-8, fins and scales for aquatic creatures in Leviticus 11:9-12, and specific lists for birds and creeping things in Leviticus 11:13-45). This concluding verse, alongside the subsequent verse Leviticus 11:47, ensures that the reader grasps the comprehensive nature and ultimate purpose of these laws: to enable Israel to distinguish between the ritually pure and impure, thereby reinforcing the overarching theme of holiness that permeates the book of Leviticus.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: These dietary laws were imparted to the Israelites during their formative period in the wilderness, immediately following their liberation from Egyptian bondage and their covenant establishment at Mount Sinai. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, many surrounding cultures had their own dietary customs, often intertwined with idolatrous worship or specific cultic practices. For example, Egyptians had certain food taboos, and various pagan nations consumed animals sacrificed to idols or revered as sacred. By instituting a unique and divinely ordained set of dietary regulations, God provided Israel with a tangible and daily means to express their separation from these pagan influences and their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. These laws were not primarily for hygiene, though practical benefits may have existed, but served as a constant, visible reminder of their covenant relationship with God and their calling to be a holy people, set apart for His purposes, as explicitly stated in Leviticus 20:26. The dietary code thus functioned as a crucial boundary marker, reinforcing Israel's distinct identity and preventing assimilation into the idolatrous and impure practices of their neighbors.
  • Key Themes: Leviticus 11:46 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive in the book of Leviticus. Foremost among these is the theme of Holiness. The meticulous distinctions between clean and unclean animals underscore God's absolute holiness and His demand for a corresponding holiness from His covenant people. This chapter, summarized by our verse, teaches that holiness is not merely a priestly concept but permeates daily life, including what one eats. Another crucial theme is Separation and Distinction. The dietary laws served as a tangible means for Israel to be "set apart" from the nations, reinforcing their unique identity as God's chosen people. This separation was not merely physical but also theological, teaching them to discern between the "holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean" (Leviticus 10:10). Finally, the verse highlights Divine Authority and Law. The phrase "This is the law" emphasizes that these regulations are not human customs but divine commands, originating from God's sovereign will and binding upon His people, reflecting the foundational importance of the Torah in Israel's life.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Law (Hebrew, tôwrâh', H8451): From the root yârâh (to teach or instruct), this term signifies divine instruction, teaching, or direction. It emphasizes that the dietary regulations are not arbitrary human customs but authoritative revelations and commands directly from God's will. The use of "law" here underscores the divine authority behind the comprehensive instructions of Leviticus 11, binding upon His covenant people and intended to guide them in righteous living.
  • Creature (Hebrew, nephesh', H5315): While often translated as "soul" or "life," nephesh here refers to a "breathing creature" or "living thing." Its repeated use ("every living creature," "every creature that creepeth") highlights the comprehensive scope of God's concern and regulation over all forms of animal life relevant to human interaction and consumption. It points to the meticulous detail with which God addresses the various categories of living things, encompassing their vitality and existence.
  • Creepeth (Hebrew, shârats', H8317): This primitive root means "to wriggle" or "to swarm or abound." It describes the movement of numerous creatures, often those that move low to the ground. In the context of Leviticus 11, "creeping things" (e.g., insects, reptiles, rodents) are almost universally categorized as unclean, representing a category of life often associated with impurity or the chaotic, untamed aspects of creation. The inclusion of this category ensures no ambiguity regarding the extensive nature of the dietary prohibitions, covering even the smallest and most abundant forms of life.

Verse Breakdown

  • "This [is] the law of the beasts,": This opening clause asserts the divine origin and binding nature of the preceding regulations. "Beasts" (Hebrew: bᵉhêmâh) refers to land animals, particularly those that were categorized as clean or unclean based on their specific physical characteristics—having cloven hooves and chewing cud—as detailed in Leviticus 11:2-8. This phrase establishes the authoritative scope over terrestrial creatures.
  • "and of the fowl,": This clause extends the divine legislation to winged creatures, or birds (Hebrew: ʻôwph). The law meticulously distinguished between clean birds (e.g., doves, pigeons) and unclean birds (e.g., birds of prey, carrion-eaters), as listed in Leviticus 11:13-19. This demonstrates God's comprehensive oversight of avian life.
  • "and of every living creature that moveth in the waters,": This phrase encompasses all aquatic life (Hebrew: mayim for waters, râmas for moveth). The law specified that only creatures with fins and scales were clean for consumption, explicitly prohibiting those without these features, such as shellfish and eels, as outlined in Leviticus 11:9-12. This segment highlights the divine regulation of marine and freshwater life.
  • "and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:": This final clause refers to "creeping things" (Hebrew: shârats for creepeth, ʼerets for earth), a broad category including insects, reptiles, and small land animals that move close to the ground. With very few exceptions (e.g., certain locusts), most "creeping things" were declared unclean, as detailed in Leviticus 11:20-45, emphasizing the extensive and meticulous nature of the purity laws, leaving no category of animal life unaddressed.

Literary Devices

Leviticus 11:46 primarily functions as a Summary Statement or Recapitulation, effectively bringing the detailed exposition of dietary laws in the chapter to a concise and authoritative close. It employs clear Categorization by explicitly listing the four main classes of animals (beasts, fowl, aquatic creatures, creeping things) that were the subject of the preceding regulations, thereby reinforcing the comprehensive scope of God's commands. The use of the declarative phrase "This is the law" at the beginning of the verse, following the extensive list of specific regulations, creates a strong sense of Finality and Divine Authority, underscoring that these are not mere suggestions but binding instructions from God. The structure of the verse, by reiterating the broad categories, also serves as a form of Inclusio with the initial declaration of the chapter's purpose, framing the entire discourse on dietary purity and emphasizing its all-encompassing nature.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Leviticus 11:46 powerfully encapsulates the theological principle that God's holiness demands a corresponding holiness from His people, extending even to the most mundane aspects of their daily lives, such as food consumption. These laws were not merely arbitrary rules but served as tangible expressions of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, constantly reminding them of their distinct identity and calling to be set apart from the surrounding nations. The meticulous distinctions between clean and unclean animals underscored the sacred/profane and holy/common dichotomies that were foundational to Israelite theology, teaching them about the nature of God and their responsibility to reflect His character in all their ways. While the specific dietary prohibitions are part of the Old Covenant's ceremonial law, the underlying principle of seeking purity and living distinctly for God remains eternally relevant, calling believers to a life of intentional separation unto God.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the specific dietary laws of Leviticus 11 are part of the Old Covenant and are not binding on New Testament believers, the enduring principles they convey are profoundly applicable to our lives today. This verse reminds us that God desires a people set apart for Him, whose lives reflect His holiness in every sphere. Just as the Israelites were called to be discerning about what they physically consumed, we are called to be discerning about what we "consume" spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. This includes the media we engage with, the relationships we cultivate, the thoughts we entertain, and the influences we allow into our lives. Our choices in these areas should align with our identity as God's holy people, reflecting His character and values rather than conforming to the patterns of the world. The meticulous nature of these ancient laws underscores God's comprehensive concern for our purity and well-being, inviting us to live intentionally in a way that honors Him in every detail, seeking to be holy as He is holy, not just in grand gestures but in daily choices.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of my life am I called to exercise discernment and "set myself apart" for God, even if it means going against cultural norms?
  • How does understanding the purpose of the Old Testament dietary laws deepen my appreciation for the freedom and spiritual purity offered in Christ?
  • What "unclean" influences or habits might I be consuming that hinder my pursuit of holiness, and how can I intentionally choose "clean" alternatives that nourish my spirit?

FAQ

Were these dietary laws primarily about hygiene or health?

Answer: While some secondary health benefits might have existed, the primary purpose of the dietary laws in Leviticus 11, as summarized in Leviticus 11:46-47, was theological and spiritual. They were given to establish and maintain the holiness and distinct identity of Israel as God's covenant people. By adhering to these unique regulations, the Israelites physically demonstrated their separation from the surrounding pagan nations and their commitment to Yahweh. The laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's holiness and their call to reflect it in all aspects of life, distinguishing between the "clean" (holy) and the "unclean" (common or profane).

Are Christians still required to follow the dietary laws found in Leviticus 11?

Answer: No, Christians are not required to follow the specific dietary laws of Leviticus 11. The New Testament teaches that these ceremonial laws, which served as a "shadow" of things to come, found their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Passages like Mark 7:19, where Jesus declares all foods clean, and Acts 10:9-16, where Peter receives a vision indicating that God has cleansed all foods, clearly indicate a change in the covenant requirements. Colossians 2:16-17 further clarifies that believers should not be judged for what they eat or drink, as these were "a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." While the specific regulations are no longer binding, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and living a life set apart for God remain central to Christian living.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Leviticus 11:46, in its comprehensive summary of the dietary laws, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of all purity regulations in Jesus Christ. The meticulous distinctions between clean and unclean animals, which served to set Israel apart and teach them about God's holiness, are transcended and transformed in the New Covenant. Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, perfectly embodies the holiness that the law demanded. His sacrifice on the cross cleanses not just external impurities but the very heart and conscience, making us truly clean before God (Hebrews 9:13-14). Furthermore, Christ's declaration that nothing outside a person can defile them, but what comes from within, radically reorients the understanding of purity from external observances to the internal state of the heart. Through faith in Him, believers are made holy and righteous, no longer defined by what they eat or touch, but by their spiritual union with the One who is perfectly pure. This freedom, articulated by apostles like Paul (e.g., Romans 14:17), allows us to serve God not through adherence to ceremonial codes, but through a life transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, fulfilling the spirit of the law in love and genuine holiness, and demonstrating a new kind of separation unto God.

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Commentary on Leviticus 11 verses 43–47

Here is, I. The exposition of this law, or a key to let us into the meaning of it. It was not intended merely for a bill of fare, or as the directions of a physician about their diet, but God would hereby teach them to sanctify themselves and to be holy, Lev 11:44. That is, 1. They must hereby learn to put a difference between good and evil, and to reckon that it could not be all alike what they did, when it was not all alike what they ate. 2. To maintain a constant observance of the divine law, and to govern themselves by that in all their actions, even those that are common, which ought to be performed after a godly sort, Jo3 1:6. Even eating and drinking must be by rule, and to the glory of God, Co1 10:31. 3. To distinguish themselves from all their neighbours, as a people set apart for God, and obliged not to walk as the Gentiles: and all this is holiness. Thus these rudiments of the world were their tutors and governors (Gal 4:2, Gal 4:3), to bring them to that which is the revival of our first state in Adam and the earnest of our best state with Christ, that is, holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. This is indeed the great design of all the ordinances, that by them we may sanctify ourselves and learn to be holy. Even This law concerning their food, which seemed to stoop so very low, aimed thus high, for it was the statute-law of heaven, under the Old Testament as well as the New, that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. The caution therefore (Lev 11:43) is, You shall not make yourselves abominable. Note, By having fellowship with sin, which is abominable, we make ourselves abominable. That man is truly miserable who is in the sight of God abominable; and none are so but those that make themselves so. The Jewish writers themselves suggest that the intention of this law was to forbid them all communion by marriage, or otherwise, with the heathen, Deu 7:2, Deu 7:3. And thus the moral of it is obligatory on us, forbidding us to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; and, without this real holiness of the heart and life, he that offereth an oblation is as if he offered swine's blood (Isa 66:3); and, if it was such a provocation for a man to eat swine's flesh himself, much more it must be so to offer swine's blood at God's altar; see Pro 15:8.

II. The reasons of this law; and they are all taken from the Law-maker himself, to whom we must have respect in all acts of obedience. 1. I am the Lord your God, Lev 11:44. "Therefore you are bound to do thus, in pure obedience." God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, oblige us to do whatever he commands us, how much soever it crosses our inclinations. 2. I am holy, Lev 11:44, and again, Lev 11:45. If God be holy, we must be so, else we cannot expect to be accepted of him. His holiness is his glory (Exo 15:11), and therefore it becomes his house for ever, Psa 93:5. This great precept, thus enforced, though it comes in here in the midst of abrogated laws, is quoted and stamped for a gospel precept, Pe1 1:16, where it is intimated that all these ceremonial restraints were designed to teach us that we must not fashion ourselves according to our former lusts in our ignorance, Lev 11:14. 3. I am the Lord that bringeth you out of the land of Egypt, Lev 11:45. This was a reason why they should cheerfully submit to distinguishing laws, having of late been so wonderfully dignified with distinguishing favours. He that had done more for them than for any other people might justly expect more from them.

III. The conclusion of this statute: This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, etc., Lev 11:46, Lev 11:47. This law was to them a statute for ever, that is, as long as that economy lasted; but under the gospel we find it expressly repealed by a voice from heaven to Peter (Act 10:15), as it had before been virtually set aside by the death of Christ, with the other ordinances that perished in the using: Touch not, taste not, handle not, Col 2:21, Col 2:22. And now we are sure that meat commends us not to God (Co1 8:8), and that nothing is unclean of itself (Rom 14:14), nor does that defile a man which goes into his mouth, but that which comes out from the heart, Mat 15:11. Let us therefore, 1. Give thanks to God that we are not under this yoke, but that to us every creature of God is allowed as good, and nothing to be refused. 2. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and take heed of those doctrines which command to abstain from meats, and so would revive Moses again, Ti1 4:3, Ti1 4:4. 3. Be strictly and conscientiously temperate in the use of the good creatures God has allowed us. If God's law has given us liberty, let us lay restraints upon ourselves, and never feed ourselves without fear, lest our table be a snare. Set a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite; and be not desirous of dainties or varieties, Pro 23:2, Pro 23:3. Nature is content with little, grace with less, but lust with nothing.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 43–47. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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